Club History. Club started in 1968 by avid skiing / sports enthusiasts.
Over the club has changed to keep up with members needs. The club still retains
some of the original members. All members are equal. All members pay
dues, and are expected to contribute to the club whenever possible. There is no
favoritism over others. As accommodations vary depending on each condo. larger
beds are allocated based upon the payment order for the trip.

Skiing and snowboarding are great activities, but
sometimes it’s easy to forget there are others out there who don’t get
to enjoy hitting the slopes for a variety of reasons. I’m writing this
week to highlight some great organizations that have been helping others
get out there and shred some pow!

SKIDuck (SKIing and snowboarding for Disabled and Underprivileged Children and older Kids)
is a relatively new non-profit organization that is “dedicated to
enriching the lives of disabled and underprivileged children by sharing
the joys of skiing and snowboarding.” SKIDuck is entirely
volunteer-based, so 100% of all donations go straight to their ski
programs! Originally founded in Tahoe,
they’re beginning to expand their cause to more resorts across the US,
so make sure to check out their site and help if you can. Here at
Liftopia we are excited to be organizing a trip with them up to Tahoe
this winter!

A chapter of Disabled Sports USA, Adaptive Ski provides “safe and
supportive alpine ski lessons for adults and children with a wide array
of disabilities.” Based in New Mexico, lessons take place at Sandia Peak and Ski Santa Fe
with instruction available in 2 track, 3 track, 4 track, blind, deaf,
mono-ski, bi-ski & snowboarding! I didn’t even know there were that
many types of skiing – it’s amazing to see how many options there are
for people who are interested in getting out on the slopes. Adaptive
currently offers a 6-week long program that runs from mid-January to
mid-March, as well as single day lessons and skiing options as well.

A great foundation that has given out over 160 ski/snowboard-related
grants and over 1,100 grants total in 2012 covering all sports, the CAF
is a well-established organization with a broad reach both nationally
and internationally. The CAF helps to provide “opportunities and support
to people with physical disabilities so they can pursue active
lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics.” The CAF
offers a variety of support from grants, to clinics, to mentoring,
along with variety of programs including help for veterans. Definitely
check out their site and see what you can do!

Special Mention – Boys & Girls Clubs of America

The Boys & Girls Clubs are a “safe place to learn and grow – all
while having fun. It is the place where future great futures and
started each and every day.” Many of these clubs across America have
partnered up with the above ski-related communities and other
organizations to help give younger individuals the chance to get out and
ski the mountain they perhaps otherwise would not have. So, I’m giving
them an honorable mention here for all t work they’ve done not only
in the ski industry, but in other industries across the country.

Mammoth Mountain is set to host The Sprint U.S. Grand Prix, the
final qualifying event for the Sochi Games, on January 14 - 19, 2014,
where riders will battle it out for a coveted spot on the Olympic team. Full Article